​Disclaimer: The content and other information presented on The Nature Nurse information site are for educational purposes only. The content is not intended as a substitute for medical counseling or advice. Before starting this or any other wellness program, consult your licensed health care provider to determine if one or more of the options are right for your needs. Do not start or engage in any of the activities mentioned on this website if your physician or health care provider advises against it. No assurance can be given that the content will reflect the most recent finding or developments with respect to the particular material. Additionally, if you are a health care provider in any capacity the content on this blog is for informational purposes only and not to replace or supersede your existing knowledge. Always follow your facility’s approved policies and procedures to guide your care.

Curing versus healing:This website discusses how nature promotes healing. Please be aware that healing and curing are not the same thing. Put simply, curing, is the elimination of the signs and symptoms of disease. It is consistent with the western diagnosis and treat medical model. Healing goes deeper; more complete, and may or may not include curing. According to Dossey and Keegan (2009), healing is “the return of the integrity and wholeness of the natural state of an individual; the emergence of right relationship at, between, and among all levels of the human being; the process of bringing together parts of one’s self (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, relational) at deeper levels of inner knowing, leading to an integration and balance, with each part of having equal importance and value.”[1]It is pretty safe to say that most of us are in a continual state of healing as there are so many factors pulling us away from this delicate balance. If you want to understand this definition further, you may want to do some exploring of the terms on your own. A discussion of these terms with our health care provider may lead to a better understanding of our health goals and how to achieve them.

Note on engaging in nature. While nature has great health benefits, it is not without risk. Exposure to allergens, insect diseases, and injury are just to name a few. It is highly recommended that any time you are venturing into a new area outside or a new outdoor activity, you consult with an outdoor expert. Park rangers, outdoor specialty stores, local recreation departments are great places to start.